5 Must Have Gadgets to Make Your Home Smarter

Technological innovation doesn't happen overnight. It gradually advances over time and moving up the customer chain. For so long, tech companies have been talking about the "connected home".

First and foremost, what do you mean the term connected home? Basically, they are the new wave of connected devices that are more intelligent. The "connected home" is becoming a reality thanks to improved broadband networks and mobile apps.

The most visible example has been an intelligent bulb. The Hue lighting range, for instance, made by Philips, is a live example in front of us. They are controller with an iPhone. You can also set custom lightings, depending upon your mood.

The Nest Thermostat is yet another example that truly revolutionized the home automation market. It is a high-tech gadget for homeowners who are looking to save on heating and air conditioning costs through interactive programming and online management. The device will cost you upwards of $249 or Rs. 15,250.

Although the connected home market is in the nascent stage yet, but big-ticket tech companies, including Samsung, Google and Apple have started exploring this untapped segment.

Moreover, in the past few months, many start-up companies have been constantly working to innovate in the connected home market.

Here are five popular connected gadgets for smart homes. Stay tuned to GizBot for more updates!

Stay tuned to GizBot for more updates!

Philips Hue Personal Wireless Lighting

Philips' Hue wireless lighting provides you with a whole new lighting experience at home. The kit includes 4 LED light bulbs that can be controlled wirelessly using a smartphone or a tablet. Interestingly, you can change the hue of the light by picking any color from your favorite photos. Moreover, you can also set level of brightness as well.

Asking price - &dollar;200 or Rs. 12,200

Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest Learning thermostat learns what temperature you like, it turns itself down when you're not at home and you can easily control it over Wi-Fi using a smartphone or a tablet. Nest also features a motion sensor that sense when nobody is home so it turns itself down and goes into energy-saving mode.

Asking price - &dollar;250 or Rs. 15,250

Belkin WeMo Insight Switch

This Belkin-made switch allows you to control your devices and remotely turn them on and off. It also monitors and controls their energy usage. The primary set up is also very easy. All you need to connect the switch to your home Wi-Fi network and it can be controlled using a dedicated app.

Asking price - &dollar;55 or Rs. 3355

Dropcam Pro

Dropcam Pro is a consumer-grade video-surveillance camera. It offers incredibly high-quality full HD videos. Functional using a Wi-Fi connection, it offers long-distance night vision. The monthly CVR costs can get pricey, though it is still worth it.

Asking price - &dollar;199 or Rs. 12,200

LG Smart Washer

With LG's new Smart Washer, you don't need to wait for long hours until the washing cycle completes. This intelligent washing machine can monitor the status of your wash and remotely control the machine's cycles via voice commands, thanks to a dedicated app for smartphone. The app also shows you the time remaining for your loads, and sends a message when the cycle is complete. LG will soon share pricing and availability details.